A batch of Justice League DCEU rumors basically gets shot down by The LEGO Batman Movie director Chris McKay who is said to be circling the Nightwing film. The DCEU rumors were posted to 4Chan and then the DCEULeaks subreddit. Chris McKay took to Twitter to respond to the Nightwing rumors offering,” I would be very […]
Following the poorly received Batman vs. Superman, WB made some changes which included putting Geoff Johns and Jon Berg on board as the DCEU co-runners. The move is now realized to be a good one as Wonder Woman is an overwhelming hit, with now close to a $600 million box office gross. Variety caught up
Following Aquaman, it’s being reported that Warner Bros. is looking to get Justice League Dark and Batgirl on the big screen next for the DCEU. THR reports WB is focusing on putting together Justice League Dark, featuring a team of DC’s supernatural characters, and Joss Whedon’s Batgirl, of which Whedon will both write and direct, as part of
The Wonder Woman movie has the seal of approval of Joss Whedon. Joss Whedon, known for directing Marvel’s Avengers movies as well as being the creator behind female-centric shows such as Buffy and Dollhouse, tweeted out he has seen Wonder Woman a while ago and that “it’s a goddamn delight.” I got to see Wonder
Last week saw a batch of Justice League rumors hit Reddit, and now a new batch of Justice League rumors surfaces on 4Chan. According to the latest rumors (via reddit): • Matthew Vaughn has been offered The Flash and Man of Steel 2, with it said Matthew Vaughn is more interested in The Flash. •
Citing a family tragedy, Zack Snyder is stepping down from directing the Justice League movie. Joss Whedon will be taking over as director of Justice League. THR reports the news as Zack Snyder filled them in that he wants to spend time with his wife and family following the sudden death of his daughter who
We have an unconfirmed report that Wonder Woman 2 is in development. It’s also being said that Joss Whedon’s Batgirl movie will be the next DCEU female superhero movie. The info comes from a user on Twitter who states Zack Snyder announced the news at the Red Carpet premiere for Wonder Woman in Shanghai, China.
Joss Whedon talks more about casting for his DCEU Batgirl movie. Whedon, who directed both Avengers movies for Marvel, attended the recent Red Carpet premiere for Guardians of the Galaxy 2 where he received questioning about Batgirl. Joss Whedon previously let it be known that he wasn’t looking at casting as of yet and also
Last month saw the huge announcement that Joss Whedon is directing Batgirl. Whedon, who directed both Avengers movies for Marvel, is still on good terms with Kevin Feige and even attended last night’s Red Carpet premiere for Guardians of the Galaxy 2. THR caught up with Joss Whedon at the event who discussed his motivations
This past Monday saw Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige comment on Joss Whedon directing the Batgirl movie for the DCEU and WB. Feige offered up that Joss Whedon had given him a call about doing Batgirl. “He called. A couple months ago, which he didn’t have to do and was super cool of him and
Last month saw it announced that The Avengers director Joss Whedon had gone over to the direct competition jumping on board the Batgirl movie for WB in which Whedon will write, produce and direct the movie. Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige offers up to THR that Whedon was cool enough to give him a call
Last week saw a rumor hit the net that WB is planning on releasing four Batman movies in 2019 for the character’s 80th Anniversary. While confirmed in development are movies for Batman, Gotham City Sirens, Nightwing and Batgirl, the rumor came from Reddit and appears to be way off. The co-runner of the DCEU, Jon
In a huge scoop for WB, the DCEU has nabbed Joss Whedon who is currently in talks to write, produce and direct a Batgirl movie, which would be the second standalone female superhero film from DC. Patty Jenkins, who has the honors of directing the first female DCEU movie with Wonder Woman, is excited for
Earlier saw the news that Joss Whedon is jumping ship to the DCEU to direct, produce and write a new Batgirl movie. However, it’s been questioned just which version as in the comics there are different characters that have portrayed Batgirl including Betty Kane, Helena Bertinelli, Cassandra Cain, Stephanie Brown and Barbara Gordon. According to
WB continues building their Batman movie franchise with none other than Marvel’s The Avengers director Joss Whedon on Batgirl. Variety reports Joss Whedon, known for his take portraying women in a good light, is nearing a deal to write, direct, and produce an untitled Batgirl movie as part of the DCEU. WB also has the Matt
Check out the new "Batgirl" spot below for The LEGO Batman Movie, with Batgirl voiced by Rosario Dawson. "LEGO Batman" has a February 10, 2017 release directed by Chris McKay starring Will Arnett as Batman, Zach Galifianakis as Joker, Michael Cera as Robin, Ralph Fiennes as Alfred, Rosario Dawson as Batgirl and Mariah Carey as the Mayor. Synopsis:
Guardians of the Galaxy 2 director James Gunn reveals he was offered to direct DC movies, though exactly when is unclear.
Gunn recently participated in a Facebook Q&A where he mentioned his favorite DC characters he would like to direct.
“I thought there was some amazing action sequences in Man of Steel, but I haven’t seen the other two films [Batman Vs Superman and Suicide Squad]. I’ve had opportunities to make DC films, but I haven’t said yes to anything, and not sure I would at this time,” Gunn said. “I’ve talked before about which projects appeal to me the most IF I was into making one, and it’s always Shazam and Metal Men and Swamp Thing and [Jonah] Hex and a few other DC IPs I’ve enjoyed for a great deal of my life.”
Gunn also let it be known that the Cassandra Cain version of Batgirl is one of his favorite female superheroes, and he talked about the fact that Suicide Squad topped his 2014 Guardians of the Galaxy movie at the August box office.
“It beat us first weekend,” Gunn said. “We almost made more money second weekend. And there is a very likely chance we’ll make more money at the end of the day (we made more domestically than BvS even). The great thing about Guardians wasn’t that it came in and made a ton of money but that so many people went and told their friends about the movie, who went to see it, and that people kept coming back again and again. By the time we were in the later weeks, we were making more money than any comic book film EVER, which was such an amazing feeling for those of us who put our hearts into it.”
Regarding the DC movies, Dwayne Johnson is attached to the Shazam movie as both a producer and the villain Black Adam; Justice League Dark (Swamp Thing) looks to have been axed in favor of an animated movie; Jonah Hex did just appear on DC’s Legends Of Tomorrow last season, and a Metal Men movie was said to be in the works a few years ago directed by Barry Sonnefeld, which looks to have never gotten off the ground floor or is still waiting for the full green light.
James Gunn also said Guardians of the Galaxy 3 will probably get made, but he’s unsure if he will return to direct the third movie.
(via den of geek/collider)
“Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2” has a May 5, 2017 release starring Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, Karen Gillan, Bradley Cooper, Vin Diesel, Michael Rooker and Sean Gunn. New cast members include Pom Klementieff, Elizabeth Debicki, Chris Sullivan and Kurt Russell.
Synopsis:
Set to the all-new sonic backdrop of Awesome Mixtape #2, “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2” continues the team’s adventures as they unravel the mystery of Peter Quill’s true parentage.
If you haven’t seen Batman: The Killing Joke just yet, you may want to skip this one.
SPOILERS
Comic-Con saw the premiere of Batman: The Killing Joke which caused fans to erupt in disapproval as one scene features Batgirl an Batman having sex on a rooftop, something that is not a part of the Alan Moore comic book.
The controversy has now forced Bruce Timm to respond (via Vulture):
“We were aware that it’s a little risky. There’s definitely some stuff in that first part of the movie that’s going to be controversial. Here’s where we came down on that specific issue: It was really important to us to show that both of the characters make some pretty big mistakes. I mean, his “parental skills” aren’t that great. Maybe never having had any kids of his own, he doesn’t realize that if you tell a kid to not do something, they’re going to want to do it even more. And then she makes some mistakes and then he kind of overreacts to her mistakes and then she overreacts to his overreaction. So it’s very human; it’s a very understandable story. It’s tricky because it’s messy, because relationships are sometimes messy. But to me and to [co-producer] Alan Burnett and to [screenwriter] Brian Azzarello, Alan and Brian, it was all very fascinating to us to explore that angle”.
Here is a clip from the scene:
idk how to feel about this pic.twitter.com/gsBGHsYet5
— (@AcroNite7) July 22, 2016
Love and Madness Partners with Warner Bros. Consumer Products to Launch Jewelry Collections Celebrating DC Super Heroes
New York, NY – June 23, 2016 – Love and Madness has announced that they will partner with Warner Bros. Consumer Products, on behalf of DC Entertainment, to design a series of jewelry collections inspired by DCs’ iconic Super Heroes, Wonder Woman, Batgirl, and Supergirl.
Love and Madness, founded by industry veteran Heather McAvoy, has become widely recognized for its ability to merge pop culture and trend through an assortment of accessories that speak to both the geek girl and the fashion girl, alike.
“As a brand that emphasizes a passion for nostalgia and pop culture, there could not be a more perfect fit for Love and Madness. It is the unique opportunity and vision to merge the needs of both fan girl and fashion girl that drives and inspires us on a daily basis. This partnership with Warner Bros. Consumer Products enables us to explore new ways to marry the past, present and future through jewelry that speaks to all, taking licensing to an entirely new level,” explains McAvoy.
The empowered, female-run brand, which strives to connect women with their inner strength and influence through the stories told by compelling accessories, will kick off this new licensing partnership with a collection centered around Wonder Woman, honoring the 75th anniversary of the beloved Super Hero.
Rich colors and materials will merge with nostalgic symbols in an assortment of jewelry that exemplifies the Super Hero’s commanding qualities through modern design. The collection will include a tailored variation of the brand’s recently released piece entitled “The Crawl.” In response to the astounding attention garnered by this design, which quickly became a signature for the brand, the wrap will present words and phrases that embody Wonder Woman and all that she is. The style will be further carried throughout the partnership’s various collaborations, continuously evolving to represent each of the iconic characters.
The collections, beginning with the launch of Wonder Woman for Holiday 2016, will be available at a broad range of high-end boutiques and department stores worldwide. For additional details, please visit theloveandmadness.com.
Batgirl seems to be a hot commodity right now as the character is rumored for Batman vs. Superman, and anything related to Batman seems to turn into gold.
While participating in a fan Q&A on Facebook, Melissa Benoist is asked about the potential for Batgirl to appear on Supergirl, in which Benoist offers her possible theory how they could make the character work on the show. You can watch the full Q&A video below.
“Chyler Leigh who plays Alex on the show, her and I actually, we kind of have a theory that perhaps, and this is just us, we are not the authority on this, but we think that Alex could make a really good Batgirl. She’s got all the gear and the gadgets and the D.E.O to make her a really good Batgirl.”
Batgirl and Supergirl are featured together for DC Super Hero Girls.
Supergirl airs Mondays at 8pm ET on CBS.
Hi! Melissa here at Facebook in New York and I’m ready to take your questions!
Posted by Supergirl on Friday, March 18, 2016
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Funko has announced a new line of figures called “Rock Candy,” which are new 5-inch stylized vinyl figures.
At Toy Fair, Funko revealed the first of the Rock Candy line of figures with DC Comics characters including Wonder Woman, Harley Quinn, Supergirl and Batgirl.
Check out the pics:
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Just in time for Halloween, Warner Bros. Consumer Products (WBCP) is introducing brand new adult, children and – yes – pet costumes that will have the whole family in the spirit for a spooktacular celebration.
“Batman” – who is always a fan-favorite – made an appearance in the top three on all top costume lists including adults, children’s and pets, according to the National Retail Federation’s 2015 Halloween Consumer Top Costumes Survey. Little fans can help keep Gotham City safe this Halloween with the Deluxe Batman Unlimited Kids Costume or the Batman Unlimited Nightwing Costume, and adults can play the part by dressing up as the Batman: Arkham Knight Harley Quinn Deluxe Costume.
New costumes that will be sure to add some flare to your Halloween style include the out of this world Jupiter Jones Wedding Dress and Caine Deluxe Costume, or the Looney Tunes Hooded Tutu Dress, available in adult and child sizes. Your pup can join in on the Halloween fun with the terrifyingly cute Freddy Krueger or Jason Voorhees costumes.
Check out images and info below.
RUBIE’S COSTUME CO. –The Flash TV Series Deluxe Costume
No matter the name, the “Scarlet Speedster”, the “Crimson Comet”, “The Blur” or “The Streak”, you will be ready to run from party to party in this The Flash TV Series deluxe costume from Rubies. Featuring a muscle chest jumpsuit with a molded belt, headpiece, and boot tops. Available at retailers nationwide for $53.00
Check out the Batgirl DLC trailer for Batman: Arkham Knight.
Set prior to the events of Batman: Arkham Asylum, Batgirl: A Matter of Family will allow players to take on the role of Batgirl for the first time in the Batman: Arkham franchise.
Batgirl: A Matter of Family will be available July 14 for fans who have purchased the Batman: Arkham Knight Season Pass and are connected to the Internet, or it can be purchased separately on July 21 for $6.99 MSRP on the PlayStation®Network and Xbox LIVE online entertainment network from Microsoft.
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Yesterday saw the news that DC Comics had cancelled the Joker 75th Anniversary variant cover set for June’s Batgirl #41.
After getting heat on various social networks and websites, the artist behind The Killing Joke homage piece, Rafael Albuquerque, requested that the cover be pulled.
“My intention was never to hurt or upset anyone through my art,” Albuquerque said in a statement released yesterday. “For that reason, I have recommended to DC that the variant cover be pulled.”
DC Comics followed up with their own statement, which only added to the controversy as it read in part: “…threats of violence and harassment are wrong and have no place in comics or society.”
The statement by DC made it sound like the artist was threatened, which never took place.
Both Batgirl‘s regular artist, Cameron Stewart, and Albuquerque cleared up the confusion on Twitter.
“Something to clarify, because DCs statement was a little unclear. [Rafael Albuquerque] did not get threats. People OBJECTING to the cover did,” tweeted Stewart.
“Ill talk more about it tomorrow but I was never threatened. just to make it clear,” Albuquerque tweeted as well.
The reason cited for the controversy is that Batgirl is currently considered a more light-hearted series than Alan Moore’s serious take on The Killing Joke.
Apparently, the creative team nor the main editor on Batgirl are to blame for deciding to go with the variant, as Comics Alliance points out variant covers at DC are “often commissioned and approved by art directors who have little to do with the actual books the covers will be placed on.”
Comic Book creator Erik Larsen also offers his thoughts – in what’s being described as a Twitter rant – as Larsen argues (in part), “…creators should not be taking orders from the audience…”
Other comic creators and fans have also reacted on Twitter:
tumblr: #Batgirl ’s Revenge sketch http://t.co/hvuplXxLzH
— Gabriel Rodríguez (@GR_comics) March 17, 2015
Dudes saying they can’t see Batgirl ever not being terrified of Joker are obvs #FakeGeekBoys. Babs has stomped Joker repeatedly since KJ
— Donna Dickens (@MildlyAmused) March 17, 2015
I avoid talking about the Batgirl cover for two days. I think I’m safe, then my students ask me what I think about it… #damnyoumrinternet
— Jim Zub (@JimZub) March 17, 2015
Someone tinkered with the Batgirl cover a little. Amazing how much it changes with just the eyes. pic.twitter.com/NRS3SVSqOK
— Sam Sykes (@SamSykesSwears) March 17, 2015
I, for one, LOVED this canceled Batgirl “Killing Joke” homage. pic.twitter.com/dSJgoovh6o
— Alejandro A. Arbona (@Alejandrobot) March 17, 2015
for every male led ghostbusters movie that gets greenlit, we get to tank a batgirl cover. sorry folks, I don’t make the rules.
— DafnaDOOM! (@DafnaDOOM) March 17, 2015
So Cameron Stewart the writer for Batgirl blocks anyone who disagrees with one of his tweets. Even respectfully. WOW. Mature.
— I Am The Night (@TheRisenKnight) March 17, 2015
Warning, this is very personal and triggering, but I spell out my reasons as to why I identify with Batgirl so much. pic.twitter.com/wS7wkefOWa
— Meredith Placko (@mplacko) March 17, 2015
We glorify one of the most abusive relationships in comics (Harley x Joker) but pull a Joker x Batgirl cover because it’s too real? SMH
— Meredith Placko (@mplacko) March 17, 2015
I said DC was right to pull the Batgirl cover & really pissed some people off. Nice. I’d hate to think I was losing my touch.
— Joe Hill (@joe_hill) March 17, 2015
I guess that after the latest controversy, this is the only appropriate depiction of Batgirl. pic.twitter.com/1vNt8dYBeR
— Daniel Vávra (@DanielVavra) March 17, 2015
I was going to buy that Batgirl issue, but now I won’t, b/c I don’t support spineless scandals-makers #SaveTheCover pic.twitter.com/9eUahHSovc
— Stefano of Astora (@Pugnodigranito) March 17, 2015
Ironically, none of the blokes complaining about the Batgirl cover we’re going to buy Batgirl anyway
— Steve Morris (@stevewmorris) March 17, 2015
Sorry to see @DCComics removing the Batgirl cover. It’s not often you get to see the human side of heroes. #GamerGate #dontchangethecover
— Rexia (@TechyFolks) March 17, 2015
I have nothing to do with Batgirl, I am not in that loop even remotely. Have no idea why people think I still have influence on her book.
— GAIL SIMONE (@GailSimone) March 17, 2015
They may have changed that Batgirl cover but the entire concept of the Joker is an unacceptable slur on mental illness and must be stopped.
— Popehat (@Popehat) March 17, 2015
Then bigots all over the United States went crazy and it ended with kids forced to burn comic books in schools. pic.twitter.com/3zAHWuTpEV
— Daniel Vávra (@DanielVavra) March 16, 2015
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This June sees DC Comics releasing Joker-themed variant covers.
One cover in particular has drawn some controversy with the variant to Batgirl #41.
It seems it’s so controversial that DC Comics is now cancelling the cover, per the request of the artist Rafael Albuquerque.
“My intention was never to hurt or upset anyone through my art,” Albuquerque said in a statement, which can be read below. “For that reason, I have recommended to DC that the variant cover be pulled.”
Apparently some people online were upset the variant cover was so “dark” while the current Batgirl seems to be more light-hearted.
Here is Albuquerque’s statement:
My Batgirl variant cover artwork was designed to pay homage to a comic that I really admire, and I know is a favorite of many readers. ‘The Killing Joke’ is part of Batgirl’s canon and artistically, I couldn’t avoid portraying the traumatic relationship between Barbara Gordon and the Joker.
For me, it was just a creepy cover that brought up something from the character’s past that I was able to interpret artistically. But it has become clear, that for others, it touched a very important nerve. I respect these opinions and, despite whether the discussion is right or wrong, no opinion should be discredited.
My intention was never to hurt or upset anyone through my art. For that reason, I have recommended to DC that the variant cover be pulled. I’m incredibly pleased that DC Comics is listening to my concerns and will not be publishing the cover art in June as previously announced.
With all due respect,
Rafa
And DC’s:
We publish comic books about the greatest heroes in the world, and the most evil villains imaginable. The Joker variant covers for June are in recognition of the 75th anniversary of the Joker.
Regardless if fans like Rafael Albuquerque’s homage to Alan Moore’s THE KILLING JOKE graphic novel from 25 years ago, or find it inconsistent with the current tonality of the Batgirl books – threats of violence and harassment are wrong and have no place in comics or society.
We stand by our creative talent, and per Rafael’s request, DC Comics will not publish the Batgirl variant. – DC Entertainment
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COVER SHOOT
By: Chris “DOC” Bushley
This weekly feature will take a look at THE most visually compelling comic book covers on the market today. Whether they be rare variant editions or just your standard fare, these are the top 5 covers that stand out amidst the bevy of books released each week. They say, “A picture is worth a thousand words” but these covers are worth more than that! No matter the storylines behind them, these covers compel you to at least check them out, which can be worth exponentially more than just words to the companies that publish them! Enjoy!
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1. Coffin Hill #2 (Vertigo/DC): This stunning cover by Dave Johnson is not only beautiful but hauntingly eerie as well. The deep purple and maroon background are the perfect complement to the bright foreground figure. It makes it seem that she was cut form another work of art and overlaid to this one, each piece having merit in their own right, but together make something extraordinarily wonderful!
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2. X-Men Gold #1 (Variant Edition) (Marvel): John Cassady makes a classic throwback cover to the early days of the X-Men in this 50 year anniversary book of Marvel’s merry mutants! The layout has that perfect nostalgic feel of the team diving into battle, young and innocent, with no regrets. But, it is Cassady’s decision to use pop art style design for the background that gives this cover that Jim Steranko feel, and no one can beat that!
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3. Harbinger #18 (Valiant): Matthew Walsh creates an amazingly surreal cover that is compositionally perfect. The way Walsh “bleeds” the tendrils from the Bleeding Monk into the caverns of Peter Stancheck’s mind not only makes for an outstanding effect, but also metaphorically matches the relationship these two characters have with one another. The choice of minimal colors draws the eye away form everything else on the racks today — perfect!
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4. Batman: Li’l Gotham #8 (DC): I don’t even know where to begin with this one! Dustin Nguyen creates some of the most artistic and fun covers on the market today and this is just one more awesome piece! There are so many parts for the eye to enjoy, the vibrant colors, the amazingly rendered characters, mermaids, the pirate ship etc. I could go on and on! This piece is not only poster worthy, but gallery worthy. Whomever says “toon” art isn’t art, is too stuck up to know what true art is!
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5. Batgirl #25 (DC): As frequent readers of this article know, Alex Garner has been present on this list more than a few times. Is there any reason why he shouldn’t be? This painted and digitally enhanced cover is essentially perfect. The strain and determination on the central characters face sets the pace for what takes place in the interior of the book and helps to bring a glimpse of humanity to an otherwise dark and gloomy city! Alex we NEED posters!!
COVER SHOOT
By: Chris “DOC” Bushley
This weekly feature will take a look at THE most visually compelling comic book covers on the market today. Whether they be rare variant editions or just your standard fare, these are the top 5 covers that stand out amidst the bevy of books released each week. They say, “A picture is worth a thousand words” but these covers are worth more than that! No matter the storylines behind them, these covers compel you to at least check them out, which can be worth exponentially more than just words to the companies that publish them! Enjoy!
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1. Miniature Jesus #5 (of 5) (Image Comics): This series by Ted Mckeever has had some of the most creative covers in it’s five issue run. Known for his use of bland backgrounds and exquisite line drawings, McKeever has quickly become one of my favorite cover artists! Let it be known that simple lines used with extraordinary skill can trump 3D covers any day!
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2. Batgirl #24 (DC Comics): Alex Garner has quickly become a staple on COVER SHOOT and there is no argument as to why! Using both paint and computer enhancement, these Batgirl covers have become fan favorites, warranting cries of, “We need posters!” across all of comicdom. Lifelike and beautiful, Garner tells a story with a single image, melding perfectly with Gail Simone’s tale within the book. Simply, exquisite!
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3. Thor: God of Thunder #14 (Marvel Comics): Though usually done by Esad Ribic, legendary artist Ron Garney has been making fans salivate over his Thor covers the past few months. Explosive and with an “in your face” composition, this cover exudes everything Thor is about! Brutality, fantasy, power and confidence is forced at you, leaping off the cover, and it makes you want to, no, need to know what’s going on in the story. Perfect cover to draw you in!
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4. Creepy Comics #14 (Dark Horse Comics): Known for trend setting covers, Creepy, always delivers the goods. Especially, with this gorgeously haunting cover by David Palumbo. With meticulous composition, this painted cover draws your eye from top to bottom, giving you the feeling of descent as you gaze upon it. With it’s two color palette, it is masterfully done, setting itself apart from all the bold colored covers around it.
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5. Batman: Arkham Unhinged #19 (DC Comics): Nothing can pull your eye to it better than a cover with graphic shapes, simple lines and a pristine sense of color! With a bleached background and a single image foreground, Christopher Mitten has created something fantastic. Accentuated by simple but exceptional line drawings, this cover pops off of the shelves and makes you take notice. It is simply profound and I would be proud to add this cover to my comic art collection!
Cover Shoot
By: Chris “DOC” Bushley
This weekly feature will take a look at the most visually compelling covers on the market today. Whether they be variant editions or standard ones, these are the top 5 covers that stand out amongst the bevy of books that are released each week. They say, “A picture is worth a thousand words,” these covers are worth more than that! No matter the storylines found behind them, these covers draw you to at least check them out, which can be worth exponentially more than just words to the companies that publish them! Enjoy!
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1. X-O Manowar #15 – Variant Edition – (Valiant): Kekai Kotaki gives a gloriously rendered cover that explodes off the racks and exudes pure energy! From background to foreground, every inch of this cover is exquisite! His sense of action and power is heightened by the choice of an angled perspective making the cover seem fluid throughout. Highly detailed and electric, nothing shows as much force as this cover this week!
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2. Batgirl #22 (DC): Beautiful and haunting, this cover by Alex Garner tells a complete tale in a single image. You can feel the anguish and pain pouring out from every brush stroke, compelling the curious buyer to grab it off the racks and learn more. The use of shadow and the vibrant contrast between Batgirl and the Bat symbol, relate to the idea that the person behind the mask matters less than the overall iconic status portrayed by the symbol itself. Garner has created something pure and engaging and quite symbolic in his own right.
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3. Ultimate Comics Ultimates #27 (Marvel): Michael Komarck creates a stunning digital image that is sure to get heads turning in shops all week. From the read-out screens hovering in the background to the creepy “mad scientist” image in the foreground, everything screams classic “Sci-fi” in this cover! The use of a greenish hue behind the central figure gives an overtly eerie feel to the cover, one heightened by the image of an incapacitated Tony Stark. Awesome!
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4. Quantum and Woody #1 – Variant Edition – (Valiant): To begin, this is a beautiful painting of a goat by Tom Fowler! The juxtaposition between the royal blue background and the stark white of the goat makes the image stand out amongst all other comics. But, it’s not the image so much as the sheer brilliance in technology that lands it a spot on COVER SHOOT this week! This cover is also enhanced with a QR code that is found over the goat’s mouth. When using your Smartphone or Android device to activate the code you will hear the goat “speak” to you! Now, Valiant has done this before with Harbinger #1, but how cool is it to have a goat baying to you and utter “Quantum and Woody?” Cool enough for me!
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5. The Lone Ranger #16 (Dynamite): This cover is simplistic yet, perfect! Francesco Francavilla does an astonishing job of breaking down a cover to the core of what it should be — eye-catching! The magnificent contrast between the overwhelming blue and the brilliance of the “glowing” moon is breathtaking, creating a total image that transcends everything else between the covers. It exudes a relentlessness, a determination that will defy all odds, and overall, it tells the tale of a lost soul seeking vengeance with only one beautiful image.
The Top Of The Pile
By: Chris “DOC” Bushley
This is a “quick pick” look at the Top 5 comics that EVERYONE should be reading this week! Whether it’s rife with characterization, filled with emotional strife, has a bevy of high octane battle sequences or is just a plain ol’ great read — these books belong at the “Top Of The Pile!”
Just What The DOC Ordered
“Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner?”
By: Chris “DOC” Bushley
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(Before you read this, beware! Spoilers Dead Ahead!)
The Joker has been cutting a bloody swath through the streets of Gotham and no one is safe! The G.C.P.D., Commissioner Gordon, the entire cast of Haley’s Circus, Barbara Eileen (Batgirl’s mother) and Alfred have all felt the wrath of this demonic character. But it’s not just the families and friends of the “Bat Family” that have been forced to kneel before the “Clown Prince” — it is the heroes as well!
Scott Snyder and the entire cast and crew that make up EVERY aspect of EVERY “Bat” related character, has been creating an extremely dark and twisted tale in the last few issues of there respective series. From Catwoman having to play a horrific version of chess in order to get a pass from the Joker, to Damian Wayne having to fight his “father” in a battle to the death; each and every costumed character that has fought beside the Dark Knight has been put through a veritable nightmare recently. The relentless beatings and horrific mind games that the Joker has created specifically for each character have been leading up to a grand finale of sorts — a banquet of blood and hilarity that can only be devised by the Joker. But what is the main course going to be?
Batman #16, Batgirl #16, Nightwing #16, Teen Titans #16 and Batman and Robin #16 have all had the same style final page to them. Each character groggily awakens in a dark room and the Joker stands before them with a covered dish. (Example: Batgirl #16 final page below)
The fan pages have been ablaze with speculation as to what could possible be on that tray and we will have to wait until February 13th, when Batman #17 comes out, in order to have our final answer, but let’s speculate as to what it could be, shall we?
The obvious choice would be Alfred’s head! We know that he was abducted by the Joker in Batman#13 and that some appalling things were done to him from the audio tape Bruce found. We also know that the Joker has said that he NEEDS Alfred to SERVE at the party. Whether that’s a play on words or just a statement — only Scott Snyder knows!
Could it be part of Jason Todd’s face? We see in Red Hood and the Outlaws #16 that Joker has done something to Jason’s face and is applying red paint (blood?) to the inside of his helmet before returning it to his face. He then says, “Only a face a mother can love!” as it is reapplied. Now, in Teen Titans #16, we know that the bottom half of his helmet is broken off by Red Robin, but the top is still intact. Could the Joker have disfigured Jason for cheating death oh so long ago? Maybe.
Could it be Commissioner Gordon? We haven’t seen James Gordon Sr. in a few issues but we know that he was the first to be confronted by the Joker. That confrontation has left the Commish reeling, completely taking him out of sorts and shaking the normally strong willed hero. We know his ex-wife has already lost a finger to the Joker’s demented schemes, why not hack away at the Commissioner as well? Plus, we know that deranged killer, James Jr., has already helped the Joker capture his sister, Batgirl, why not make it a family reunion?
Speaking about family reunions, could it be Tim Drake’s parents? We know that Tim Drake left his family in Witness Protection after messing with the Penguin awhile back, but does that mean anything to a man who killed two of Nightwing’s best friends and Jokerized the entire Haley’s Circus? In Teen Titans #16, we saw that he Joker already used a fake “daddy Drake” to mess with Red Robin, but that could have just been a “red herring” for the main event — “daddy dinning!”
Maybe, just maybe, it is a smorgasbord of “Bat” cuisine! Red Robin, Red Hood, Batgirl, Nightwing and Robin were all knocked out prior to them seeing the tray presented. Joker keeps calling Batman “the King,” and he, his “Royal Jester.” Perhaps the “Jester” has created a gift pleasing enough for a “king,” an array of treats brought from all the different “lands” beneath the “king’s” royal gaze. Could the tray be filled with delectable digits from the “Bat-kiddies” that were removed while they slept? You never know with the Joker — anything is possible!
All I truly know, is that the “Death of the Family” storyline has been one of the best tales in years! Appalling, horrendous and completely unnerving, Scott Snyder and crew have made the return of the Joker an amazing ride that will be talked about for years. At the end of it all, whether Alfred is gone or not, the “Bat-family” will forever be changed and I am excited as ever to see where it goes from here!
The “Death of the Family” storyline epically concludes in Batman #17, on sale February 13th, 2013! Get a glimpse of the cover below!